Positive masculinity

Show at Maison Depoivre explores what it means to be a man

Astrikingly lifelike figure of a partially clad man lying prone upon a bed is one of the first pieces that catches the eye upon entering the Maison Depoivre Gallery at Base31. The figure is partly covered by a sheet and there is a space beside him, as if someone has already gotten up. He is wearing yellow earplugs, and there is a pair on the pillow beside him. Does he snore? Or is it his partner? The piece is called Deep Breaths and was created by artist Gina D’Aloisio. Christophe Doussot of Maison Depoivre said the piece resonated with him when he saw it at Artist Project in Toronto in the spring, and he thought it would be a perfect for the gallery’s 2023 Positive Masculinity show. “I thought it would go well with the theme of the show. It is about communication and intimacy and the desire to be seen, but to what extent?” he said.

The fifth edition of the Positive Masculinity show opened at the gallery on Saturday, and explores what masculinity means in today’s world. There are 32 artists whose work is on display, and the show is restricted to adults only, as there are sexually explicit images included. “The show began in 2018 as a reaction to the Me Too movement and the toxic masculinity that exists in the world. “We thought it was important to explore with artists the opposite side of that and what does it mean to be a man in a positive way in today’s world,” said Mr. Doussot. “The show has grown into an exploration of gender and conversations around body positivity, and reflections on the queer world and some of the struggles that queer people experience. The show has opened, and is opening, many different conversations that we believe are important to have at this moment.”

One of the pieces in the show is the nude sculpture of a Black man, standing on tiptoes. It was created by Frantz Brent-Harris, who was trained as a graphic designer and discovered only in 2008 that he had a natural ability to sculpt. “I started collecting Black Barbie dolls and found that they didn’t reflect Black women. I went to a sculpting studio to commission someone to sculpt a Black doll for me, and that’s how I discovered I could sculpt,” he said. He sculpts in clay, and uses that to make a form for casting in materials such as resin or bronze. He is a figurative sculptor, and his piece in the show, titled Navigator, is a reflection of his experience as an immigrant. “As an immigrant, we have to tiptoe so that we don’t offend anybody so that we can remain safe,” he said.

This year’s Positive Masculinity show is the largest ever, with local, national and international artists. The artists span a range of gender expression, including non-binary. “We find that Positive Masculinity evolves each year in relation to what’s happening in society in general. In the last couple of years it has evolved into more conversations around gender, gender identity and gender fluidity,” said Mr. Doussot. “The most touching aspect is the people who thank us for creating such a show. People find it quite courageous for us to bring this show to the County.” The show runs until December 22. For more information, please visit maison-depoivre.com.